Casting Creativity with Xandra Ann Art

Nestled along the Texas coast in Port O’Connor, there’s an artist whose work captures more than colors and lines—it captures a way of life. Xandra Ann Art, LLC is not just a business; it’s a living testimony of faith, creativity, and resilience. At the heart of it all is Xandra herself, a nurse-turned-artist who found her calling on the water and brought it back home to share with the world.


Journey Rooted in Passion

Xandra didn’t set out to be a full-time artist. Her path was shaped by long shifts in hospitals, time spent traveling as a nurse, and countless fishing trips that gave her a quiet refuge from the chaos of life. It was in those quiet moments outdoors that she picked up her pencil again.

“There was a drawing of a tuna I’d made that sparked the business idea and even led to a first date with my now husband,” she recalls with a smile. “It snowballed after that. Truly though, God opened that door, and I just happened to walk through it.”

What started as an outlet became a business, and soon after, a calling.

Xandra and her husband Martin Mapp.

The Art of No Boundaries

One look at Xandra’s portfolio and you’ll see she doesn’t believe in creative limits. Her work ranges from fine art pieces that capture the majesty of the Gulf Coast to playful illustrations, sculptural forms, and even woodworking projects.

“I don’t think creativity should be boxed in. I’ll try just about anything to get to the end result of the piece in my head. A lot of times, it’s something new and something I haven’t seen before.”

This bold approach keeps her work fresh and dynamic. Each creation is infused with authenticity, a little risk, and a lot of heart.

The True Reward

For many, the success of a business is measured by numbers and milestones. For Xandra, it’s measured in something far more precious: the next generation.

“When kids look up to me… it seems so simple, but it warms my heart and keeps me going. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized it’s not just about doing the ‘big things.’ Passing it on—that’s where it’s at.”

Her words carry a weight that reflects not just her role as an artist, but also as a mother and mentor.

Balancing Creativity and Motherhood

No journey is without challenges, and for Xandra, balancing time has been one of the greatest. Running a business requires discipline, but adding motherhood into the mix has reshaped her perspective.

When asked how she’s managed: “Have I overcome it? Not quite… more like accepted and grown into it.”

Recently, she transitioned from a storefront back to a home studio. This change allows her to work productively while still being present with her one-year-old. “It feels much better this way, and lately, it’s been much more productive.”

Her story reminds us that success doesn’t always mean expanding outward—it can also mean drawing inward, simplifying, and aligning with what truly matters.

Anchored in Rural Roots

Much of Xandra’s inspiration comes from her modest upbringing and her family’s fishing traditions. As an angler herself, she carries that heritage into her work.

“I believe my rural background shows through in my art. It offers a perspective that’s often lost to time. With technology these days, people think they can capture life by watching it through a screen—but you can’t. You have to live it. Be in it.”

Her art doesn’t just reflect the Gulf Coast—it invites people to step outside, to breathe in salt air, to hold a fishing line in their hands, and to remember that the world is best experienced first-hand.

Casting Dreams Forward

While she keeps some dreams close, Xandra shares that travel and connection are at the top of her list. “Florida always comes to mind,” she says. She also hopes to create more videos and instructional content, giving her the chance to inspire and teach others through her craft.

Her forward vision is a blend of exploration, sharing, and continued growth.

A Lasting Message

When asked what she hopes readers take away, Xandra’s answer is simple yet powerful:

“God is good. Anything is possible. You only fail if you quit trying. Go fishing. Throw a rope. Do something that makes you feel alive. Be grateful, and willing to accept change, either within yourself and/or the world around you. We’re all here for a short time—you might as well give it your best shot.”


From Soil to Soul Takeaway

Xandra’s art is more than brushstrokes and carvings. It’s a living reminder that creativity thrives when it’s grounded in passion, faith, and a willingness to embrace change. Whether through the eyes of a child, the pull of a fishing line, or the lines of a pencil on paper, Xandra is casting ripples of inspiration far beyond the Gulf Coast.

Where to Find Her

For those ready to dive deeper into her creative world, you can find her here:

Next
Next

From Arena to Assurance: Kourtney Kubala